Beautiful Gate Ministries

The care centre for abandoned and HIV/AIDS-affected children in Maseru, Lesotho, opened its doors in 2001 to provide care for abandoned or orphaned babies around Maseru. Initially we started out as Little Feet Ministry, but later came under the umbrella of Beautiful Gate Ministry International.

As at July 2007, we have cared for a total of 145 babies, facilitated over 60 adoptions, returned 31 babies to families and 24 have passed away from HIV/AIDS related illnesses. Currently we have 25 babies in our care. We work closely with hospitals in the area and the police, who often discover abandoned children, as well as the departments of Social Welfare and Health. We also have the support of the Director of Social Welfare in Lesotho.

Beautiful Gate Lesotho currently has two programmes: residential and hospice care, and an outreach programme to caregivers and orphans in villages. Through these programmes, we aim to:

To provide a care facility for abandoned & HIV+/AIDS infected and affected babies, between 0-5 years.
To give loving, dignified hospice care for those babies who may not be placed in families and who require specialized medical treatment.
Network with other organizations to advocate for the rights of children in Lesotho.
To collaborate with Department of Social Welfare (DSW) and other relevant stake-holders in the establishment of an effective adoption/foster care program in Lesotho.
To train and support our staff and the community in practical care giving to abandoned, HIV/AIDS affected and other vulnerable children through seminars and training schools in these areas:
1. Psycho-Social Support
2. Play therapy for 0-5 years.
3. Income generating projects
4. Home base care
5. Discipleship and mentoring

Ray and Sue Haakonsen, directors of Beautiful Gate Lesotho

"As we have cared for these babies since June 2001, we have been privileged to see many of them developing into joyful healthy individuals, but we have also had to deal with burying some who have succumbed to AIDS related illnesses. It has been an awesome privilege to be instruments in the hands of a loving God to provide care and safety for these needy children. The HIV/AIDS pandemic is sorely affecting the children of Lesotho especially, and we feel compelled to be involved in bringing hope and love in this desperate situation. We strongly believe the church has a major role to play in reaching out both socially and spiritually to the struggling society around it."

- RAY HAAKONSEN, OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Beautiful Gate Ministries is an international and interdenominational Christian organisation that gives care and support to children in need and their families. We provide medical, emotional, spiritual and physical care to the children, and support to their families and communities through offering theoretical and practical training and discipleship.